I Blew Up Hank Green's "3000 Mile Battery" and Survived to Tell the Tale


This is a companion topic for our recent blog post on blog.unmanned.tech

So, I had a go at the rather pricey $1300 Dark Lithium Gold battery (yes, that’s a real thing and not a fancy name for a pint) from Upgrade Energy, and let me tell you, it was explosive—literally. After a series of questionable decisions involving overcharging, I witnessed the most spectacular battery explosion since that time Gordon Ramsay tried to poach an egg. This battery isn’t just an overpriced piece of tech; it boasts silicon anodes that promise higher capacity and tantalising potential for drone enthusiasts and electric vehicle designers alike.

Now, before you dash off to buy one, there are caveats. The silicon anode may hold more lithium ions than your standard graphite but requires a fair bit of reinforcement to avoid turning into a fireball. And while it offers about 40% more capacity than traditional packs, it has a lower current rating—think of it as a sports car that struggles to reach the speed limit if the driver’s got a cold.

In my little experiment, the battery took its sweet time before finally deciding it was time for a grand exit, culminating in a blast that almost shattered my camera lens. So, if you’re keen on pushing battery technology to its limits—or simply want to see a very expensive battery have a dramatic meltdown—you might want to check out the full escapade.

For the full spectacle, and to witness my moderately reckless antics, here’s the video link:

And remember, while these batteries might be the future, they come with risks—handle with care, or you might just get more than you bargained for.

Read the full post over at: